New CEO for Wide Bay Australia bank

WIDE Bay Australia Ltd (Wide Bay) has announced Martin Barrett has been appointed as chief executive officer (CEO), and will start his new job on February 4, 2013.

Mr Barrett is an experienced senior executive with extensive experience in the banking sector, having previously held the position of state manager (Queensland and Western Australia) at St George Bank.

Wide Bay Chairman John Humphrey welcomed Mr Barrett's appointment.

"The Board of Wide Bay is delighted that Mr Barrett has agreed to serve as CEO. Mr Barrett brings exceptional experience and expertise to the Wide Bay team and we believe he is the right person to lead Wide Bay in its next stage of growth."

During his 10 years at St George Bank, he gained experience across a broad range of business units and was responsible for all aspects of the bank's operations in Queensland and Western Australia.

Prior to working at St George Bank, Mr Barrett held senior roles at regional financial institutions in the UK and at National Australia Bank.

Mr Barrett holds a Bachelor of Arts (Economics) from Murdoch University and an MBA from The University of Western Australia.

He is member of the Australian Institute of Management and the Chief Executive Officer Institute.

Mr Barrett is also a board member of the Starlight Foundation (Queensland).